Hawaii legislators seek to toughen penalties for dog fighting

HONOLLU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii is one of only two states with no penalties for going to or betting on dog fighting events. That's why legislators are proposing a bill to crack down on this sport. It is a felony in Hawaii if you're caught in the act of dog fighting.

The state ranks dead last when it comes to dog fighting laws. Groups like the Humane Society of the United States and the Hawaiian Humane Society say stiffer laws would give authorities more incentive to go after people who take part in dog fighting.

"Without spectators, without those attending such bloodsports, such spectacles, we wouldn't have any kind of animal fighting, so it's really important Hawaii catches up with the rest of the country," Humane Society Hawaii Director, Inga Gibson said.

This bill would also add penalties for those who breed, raise or sell dogs for fighting. Opponents of this bill say Hawaii doesn't have a dog fighting problem and that no one has been prosecuted for it under the current law. The bill is scheduled to be heard in a senate committee next month.